Roman 22K+ Gold Ring + Pair of Gold Earrings

**Originally Listed At $2000**

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A lovely ensemble of precious gold jewelry from ancient Rome. First, a gold ring with an impressed leaf pattern adorning the table - comprised of 93% gold (equivalent to 22K+). Complimenting this is a pair of beautiful earrings, both presenting an endearing basket of gold dangler comprised of 76% gold (equivalent to 18K+) and featuring a cube-shaped basket containing a pyramidal cluster of gold granules with extensions (handles) from each corner meeting a suspension ring above that is joined to a ring on the lower end of the hoop which is comprised of gold covered silver. Yes even in antiquity, humans expressed their love, appreciation, and admiration with a shimmering bauble or two. So why not continue to embrace this longstanding tradition? Size: earrings from end of hoop to end of dangler 1.5" L (3.8 cm); ring measures .625" in diameter (1.6 cm); US ring size 4.75; total weight: 10.1 grams

Interestingly, the Romans invented the "hoop earring" which developed around 300 BCE. The beautiful pyramidal clusters of gold granules were perhaps intended to represent a grape cluster associated with Bacchus (Greek Dionysos) - the god of the fruit of the vine, wine, as well as fertility, religious rapture, and theatre. The leaf pattern on the ring may reference the laurel or olive leaf - both were used to create wreaths to crown victors in athletic events or during wartime.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Mario & Anita Zuerrer collection, Zurich, Switzerland, acquired in the 1980s

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Condition Report: Some of the gold over the silver has worn away at the upper half of the hoops and now shows a nice warm patina. Minute indentations to the earring danglers but these are quite minor. There is some slight bending to the shank of the ring, but only slight. Earrings are not wearable, but a reputable jeweler could fit to a new setting. Ring is perfectly wearable. Gold has also developed a lovely warm patina over the years.